Mumbai: India defeated Australia by eight wickets in the second Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground to level the four-match series 1-1.
Chasing 70 for a win, it was only poetic justice that Rahane hit Nathan Lyon’s winning run as the series was acquitted 1–1 and survived two Tests. The victory not only brings India back into the series but is also one step closer to the final of the World Test Championship.
Debutant Shubman Gill was unbeaten with captain Rahane (27) as he crossed the line from the Indian side. His unbeaten 35 off 36 balls will stand India in good stead with Rohit set to start the third game.
On day four, India first dismissed Australia at the score of 200 and then came back to chase the target of 70 runs in 15.5 overs. India first dismissed Australia at the score of 200 and then came back to chase the target of 70 runs in 15.5 overs. If India had its first test in a season, it was again a session – which Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja played on the second day – in which India got the second game.
However, this victory was not as easy as it appears on paper. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc got Australia the opening wicket to ensure that the win was not a cakewalk for the spectators.
Starc dismissed Mayank while Cummins sent Pujara back as a small goal seemed to be big. However, some reassuring strokeplay from Gill and Rahane calmed the nerves of India’s dressing room.
Earlier in the day, Mohammad Siraj struck twice, while Jaspreet Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin took one wicket in the first session as Australia scored 200. The storm struck in the first hour of the game, it was Bumrah’s bouncer, ending Cummins’ tenure. India took the new ball.
If Bumrah succeeded India, it was Siraj’s strike with the bouncers, which ensured that India would retain the advantage in the game. Australia extended their first session after losing their ninth wicket and Stark ensured that India worked hard for the final blood.
Brief Scores: Australia 195 and 200; India 326 and 70/2 (Shubman Gill 35*, Ajinkya Rahane 27*; Mitchell Starc 1-20, Pat Cummins 1-22)
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